3D Systems Figure 4 platform

Based on its Figure 4 technology, 3D Systems’ new platform allows customers to tailor configurations and select materials to address specific applications.

3D Systems has today announced the industry’s first modular, scalable and fully-integrated additive manufacturing platform.

The disruptive Figure 4 production platform can produce plastic parts more than 50 times faster than current systems, delivering dramatically lower total cost of operations, while offering competitive and compelling comparisons to conventional methods. 3D Systems believes the new technology will transform the production of mass customised and complex end-use parts, and meet durability and repeatability requirements of production environments.

Based on its Figure 4 technology, 3D Systems’ new platform allows customers to tailor configurations and select materials to address specific applications. Configurations range from single-print engine machines to fully automated, high-volume production systems with 16 or more print engines, automated material delivery and integrated post-processing.

The first system has already been shipped to an unnamed Fortune 50 industrial customer. 3D Systems now plans to accelerate customer-specific shipments throughout the second half of 2017.

“We believe our breakthrough Figure 4 platform will revolutionise manufacturing by transforming production of both mass customised and complex end use parts with a compelling total cost of operations versus conventional methods,” said Vyomesh Joshi, President and CEO, 3D Systems. “While others are realising the need to transition from prototyping to production, we are delivering real solutions across all key vertical markets and applications that are helping customers solve problems today.”

As part of the company’s vertical strategy, 3D Systems will unveil one of its initial solutions for the dental industry based on the Figure 4 platform and its NextDent materials – 3D Systems announced the acquisition of Vertex-Global in February. Attendees of the International Dental Show (IDS) 2017 this week will be among the first to see this new solution.

Over time, the company intends to extend the Figure 4 platform applications by application to meet specific customer needs across healthcare, aerospace, automotive and the durable goods industries.

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